Protecting Your Power with Standby Generators: An Interview with Adam Wachtel on Dockside Magazine

Power Outages and the Essential Need for Home Standby Generators

Power outages are a fact of life, particularly in cottage country. With more extreme storms, an aging power grid, and increasing demand for electricity, things are only getting worse. A generator is an essential tool, but sorting out what you need can be overwhelming.

Master Electrician Adam Wachtel, owner of Platinum Electrical Contractors, has been installing generators for nearly 30 years and offers some valuable insights.

Choosing the Right Generator for Your Cottage

Adam explains that most cottages need an automatic home standby system, which starts and runs on its own regardless of whether someone is at the cottage. He recommends Generac generators for their reliability and ease of use. “It’s plumbed directly to your home’s fuel system – typically propane at the cottage or natural gas in town. You’re not filling up a gas tank and going out to start it when the power goes out,” says Adam.

Finding the Right Size and Installation

How big a generator do you need? Adam outlines three different approaches:

1. Basic System: Powers select circuits only. “Tell me what items are essential for you in an outage and I’ll build the system to protect those and only those loads,” says Adam. Essential circuits can include the furnace, refrigerators, well, sump pumps, Wi-Fi, and some lighting.
2. Whole Home Solution: Supplies enough power to run every appliance in the house at once, as if there was no power outage at all.
3. Managed Whole Home Solution: Every circuit in the home has access to the generator power, but you need to be aware of which major appliances are on at once. “If you use the stove, limit it to a couple of burners, or don’t use the clothes dryer at the same time as the electric oven,” says Adam. “It’s just common-sense stuff. The system has enough power to run lights and small appliances without any problem.”

Importance of Proper Installation and Monitoring

Regardless of the size, proper installation is essential. “You can’t just tap into the gas line that’s feeding your furnace,” says Adam. “Not all installers know that, but it can cause big problems.” Many of the problems his team sees with generators are related to improper installation.

For truly worry-free service, Platinum Electrical Contractors offers a remote monitoring service. Your generator is constantly monitored by Wi-Fi or cellular connection, allowing Adam’s team to ensure it’s always ready to start. “If your pool company or gardener accidentally turns off the gas valve, if someone disabled it, or if it needs service for any reason, we will know and take care of it before it lets you down,” he says. “It’s the final peace of mind in this peace of mind purchase.”

The Ultimate Solution for Home Standby Generators

Home standby generators are not just a convenience; they are a crucial investment in ensuring the safety and comfort of your home. When storms hit or the power grid fails, having a reliable source of power can make all the difference. Generac generators, installed by Platinum Electrical Contractors, provide seamless automatic power backup, ensuring that your essential appliances and systems continue to run smoothly without interruption. With a Generac generator, you can protect your home from the potentially devastating effects of power outages, such as spoiled food, frozen pipes, and security system failures.

Why Choose Platinum Electrical Contractors for Your Generator Needs

Choosing the right installer is just as important as choosing the right generator. At Platinum Electrical Contractors, we bring nearly 30 years of experience and a commitment to excellence to every installation. Our team of certified professionals ensures that each generator is installed to the highest standards, providing you with a reliable and long-lasting power solution. Additionally, our comprehensive maintenance and monitoring services mean that your generator will always be in peak condition, ready to provide power when you need it most. Trust Platinum Electrical Contractors for all your home standby generator needs and experience peace of mind with every storm.

Get in Touch with Platinum Electrical Contractors

For more information on selecting the right automatic home standby generator and ensuring it’s properly installed and maintained, contact Platinum Electrical Contractors:

• Phone: 1-844-443-6776

Stay connected with us on social media for updates and tips:

• Instagram, Facebook, Twitter, YouTube : @PlatinumGens

Since 1991, Platinum Electrical Contractors Inc. has been serving commercial, industrial, institutional, and residential clients in the Greater Toronto Area. Known for outstanding service and unparalleled customer satisfaction, we take pride in maintaining the highest standards of workmanship and safety.